Former Cerebral Palsy Poster Child Now Seeking Disability Assistance

My name is Kenny Cunningham. I'm a former Cerebral Palsy Poster Child now seeking disability assistance.

I was handicapped at birth when I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. In 1966 I became the Cerebral Palsy Poster Child for the state of Colorado.

Then in 1967 and 1968 I was the United Cerebral Palsy Poster Child. I visited President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967 and again in 1968 when I played a role in having President Johnson sign the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I have appeared in many telethons across the United Stated and in many public service TV ads and movie trailers.

After all of that, I grew up and had three children of my own. When my second son was about two years old, my son Michael was diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy.

At the time, my wife was pregnant with my daughter, who was later diagnosed with M.D. And then I was re-diagnosed with M.D. and NOT cerebral Palsy as they said when I was a child.

Since all of this, my life has became very hard. I'm not able to work now and I really would like to provide a good home for my children to grow up in. I would like to buy a home in La Junta, Colorado.

I have never asked anyone for any help at all but times are really getting tough and I would really like to know if anyone can help.

Thank you very much for any disability assistance, or for any kind of help for people with disabilities, I can be directed to.

I ran across this article and wanted to send you my best wishes. I still remember the day I joked with you about you being the national poster child. We were driving somewhere in your truck. You were telling me how you had met various celebrities and dignitaries, and I spouted off, "Oh yeah? What were you, the national poster child?" You said, "As a matter of fact, I was." We then changed course and went to your house so you could pull old mementos and photos, and prove to me your story was authentic. You know I felt like such an idiot. I've never spouted off to anyone since whose telling me a story.

I think of you from time to time, and especially when I'm driving near where you lived with your mother. I hope you're finding the help you deserve. To hear you were so mis-diagnosed so long ago is such a shock. I can't imagine how you felt. Prayers and best wishes to you and your family. You were a great friend!Love, Susan

Sep 25, 2012Rating

Apacheland and Former Cerebral Palsy Poster Childby: Apacheland

Hi Kenny,

I have photos of when you visited Apacheland, Arizona back in April 1967. I also have images of you with Henry Fonda when he cast his prints in concrete.

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